PICS AND VIDEO: The Redesigned Mazda MX-5 Miata

OK Miata fans, get ready for another round of visibility into the next version of this globally beloved sports car. It will debut in 2015 with a raft of engineering innovations, and the new pics and video Mazda released show it to be striking inside and out. Let’s take a look.

The MX-5 Miata brings with it a load of change. The lines are stronger and more distinctive than any preceding Miata design. It’s a fittingly dramatic shape following the Miata’s 25th anniversary on the market.

Mazda took the opportunity of this redesign to go deeper with its SKYACTIV fuel-saving design philosophy. High-tensile strength steel in strategic locations…

…as well as aluminum.

Mazda says the front suspension is lighter than before…

…and the multi-link rear brings up the back. Mazda claims a lower center of gravity and perfect 50:50 weight distribution, along with the shedding of about 220 pounds overall.

Two four-cylinder engines are offered; they displace 1.5-or 2.0-liters. Your choice of a six-speed transmission in automatic or manual.

This is the shortest Miata yet.

Mazda’s says its KODO brand of design is reminiscent of Japanese calligraphy. We find it to be suitably animated and aggressive.

It’s a cohesive design front and back.

The trunk has a deep well…

…which appears well sized for a couple of carry-ons.

Iniside, the new Miata continues the theme found in other Mazda, with simplicity combined with a touch of gadgety goodness.

We are chomping at the bit to turn a wheel on this new Miata, where the engineering priorities of light weight, a lower stance and even weight distribution are exactly as we’d call them. Its 2015 debut can’t happen soon enough.